Automation in the Construction Industry
Automation in the construction industry implies the advancement of technology to the extent that machines (robots) carry out construction tasks or a part of them, replacing manual work.
In this article, Gharpedia reviews the impact of automation in construction and also sheds light on how to gradually include automation in the construction industry.
Automation and robotics in construction could completely alter productivity and collaboration across all sectors. However, the latest research found that both construction workers and business executives are concerned about the effect of automation on employee satisfaction, displacement of workers, and stress in the workplace. The issues mentioned are valid; however, the reality of the impact of automation on this industry is more positive.
It is normal to expect job losses because of automation, since most of the repetitive tasks will be carried out by robots/machines. But it is also true that the demand of skilled workforce who knows to operate these robots will equally rise. At the end increased productivity with maximum safety that comes with automation in construction should be considered as a win.
What Is Automation In Construction?
The application of automation in construction is extensive. It covers all stages of the construction process, from initial designing and planning to the facility’s building, along with its operation and upkeep until the final demolition, as well as the recycling of buildings and engineering structures. Recent advances in robotics and computer science have led to the development of new techniques in construction.
Japan, a world leader in automation and robotics, has come up with several innovative automated construction equipment that can aid construction companies in reducing the amount of human labour construction costs, construction costs, and project duration and improving productivity.
There is a need for automated construction robots because, sometimes, construction work must happen under unsafe conditions and circumstances. They improve the operation of equipment and the safety and efficiency of the work. Automation of construction processes leads to an uninterrupted working schedule throughout the year. According to the book Robotics and Automation in Construction (2008), automated and robotized construction processes lead to continuous working time throughout the year.
To speed up construction while reducing risk and ensuring high quality, there must be an increasing use of machinery and tools in this industry. Human effort and risk are minimised using robots, machines, and other automated construction equipment in the right places. Automation and robotics in construction improve efficiency, reduce the length and magnitude of labour, increase the security of construction, and improve the quality of work compared to untrained workers.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Automation In Construction
Advantages
Production Rates Are Higher
Automation is an integral aspect of manufacturing, allowing for excellent production rates while consuming less money and resources. These benefits have resulted in automation becoming an increasingly popular method in various sectors, including construction. Construction automation technology can keep the project going irrespective of day or night, thereby, enhancing the rate of production.
Allows Efficient Use Of Materials And Resources
Construction automation benefits the product manufacturing process. Automation can facilitate more efficient utilisation of materials and produce superior-quality products. This allows manufacturers to create better products, resulting in lower production costs, improved customer satisfaction, and higher returns on investment.
Product Quality Is Improved
Automation is a method of reducing costs that businesses have used for a long time. Over the past few years, the use of automation has become more frequent in the field of marketing because it allows businesses to make their products faster, at a lower cost, and with a higher standard. The adoption of automation will likely continue to grow as companies learn more about the benefits of automation for improving efficiency.
Disadvantages
Need For Large Capital Expenditures
Automation has been the standard of the industry for a long time. But there are a few undesirable consequences for manufacturers before transitioning to automation. One is the massive capital investment required to maintain and repair automated systems and smart construction tools. They are also more vulnerable to cyberattacks than manual systems and can put companies at risk if their infrastructure is not adequately protected.
Can Cause Some Safety Issues
Automation can create new dangers to safety with the unexpected alteration of operating conditions. For instance, power outages, software crashes, or cyberattacks can disrupt the smart construction tools but also halt work and lead to delays and losses. As mentioned in the book Automation and Robotics in Construction XI (2012), the complexity of such control systems raises questions of safety; it may be very difficult, or it may even be impossible to ensure that they will always behave as expected under all foreseeable conditions.
It Still Requires Human Involvement
Although the general advantages of automation are known to all, some tasks require human involvement. For example, humans must feed a drone with the desired instructions.
Some Examples Of Automation Construction
Use Of Drones In Construction To Survey The Area
Drones are examples of construction automation technology that allow for the automated surveillance of construction sites without supervision. Drones have programs that allow them to automatically scan the space for dangers, after which the signals are transmitted back to a central control system. Construction companies can carry out pre-project audits and other crucial site monitoring tasks using drones.
Use Of Various Automated Machines For Construction Activities
One of the most famous examples of construction automation technology is the use of autonomous machinery. Use these self-driving vehicles to move materials around the work site and to move heavy objects without risking workers.
They can be equipped with robotic technology solutions and sensors that allow forklifts, diggers, trucks, and other similar equipment to function without the need for a driver in the cabin. By creating relevant pathways, providing GPS capabilities, and programming the movements of the automated construction robots, construction workers can control machinery remotely and benefit from faster processes.
Use Of Sensors
Sensors are the primary devices that allow automation. These sensors can give real-time measurements of location, pressure, temperature, and many other variables. Construction companies can use sensors to automate various robots and machines according to their needs.
Sensors also send signals to machines that trigger a process. For instance, fabrication and welding machines usually use sensors to accomplish the automation process.
These sensors gather crucial environmental information, which can trigger a relevant process within your welding equipment.
What Is The Future Of Construction Automation?
The manufacturing industry has demonstrated that when automation reaches the point of acceptance and adoption, there will be a point at which there’s no return. Businesses of a specific size need to adopt automation to remain in the race. ABB Robotics’s global study found that just five percent of all construction firms utilise robotics as of 2021, but considering the benefits of construction automation and sincere desire to implement automation in construction, the skill lack, as well as the need to increase sustainability in construction, which is driving the use of robotics and automation, will be the norm for construction companies before too long.
Tips for Automation
Plan The Process
The first step in automating your construction company is, to begin with, on a small scale. For the beginning, concentrate on time-consuming processes that you can streamline to help your business transition into automation. Time management is an excellent starting point because it will provide the highest ROI for your company. It is a perfect way of increasing your efficiency and, consequently, your bottom line.
From this point, you can gradually but surely reduce the number of steps required to run your company. When you put automated construction equipment into use, others will become outdated.
Hire An Expert
You don’t have to be the master of managing your construction business in an automated way. At the time, think about hiring an expert to take the burden off you and your employees. External experts can take a new look at your business and examine each step to discover ways to improve efficiency.
You must purchase tools to assist in the automation of your company. From scheduling resources to inventory management, capital allocation, online marketing, and customer support, appropriate tools will help you simplify and shift from manual to automated.
Conclusion
Automatisation during construction tasks has provided builders with a fresh way to tackle complicated tasks easily, quickly, and without errors. This technological advancement implies that engineers can focus on other tasks while robots do the job, rather than overseeing the project from the beginning until the end. So, to sum up, the effects of automation in the construction industry have been favourable compared to what people had expected. It’s clear that the future of construction automation technology is bright and can ensure the growth potential of the field.
FAQs
01. Does Automation Pose any threat to Employment?
In general, automation poses an issue for short-term employment. For example, the short-term tasks of construction sites will not require human involvement as automation technology comes into play. Thus, automation will reduce the employment rate for most sectors that need labour.
02. Does Automation affect the supply of Labour?
While automation can make some workers redundant, it does not negatively impact the labour supply. Apart from site-building or laborious work, there is the potential for needing workers from other industries, including the training, engineering, and maintenance industries. Thus, even though robots can perform some complex tasks, they don’t reduce the opportunities for employment or pay for workers.
03. What does Automation mean?
Automation is a method that uses computers, machines, and software to complete tasks in a way that is not dependent on human intervention. Automation can be applied to numerous fields, but it is usually utilised in robotics and manufacturing.
Also check out this amazing blog given below:
The Rise Of Artificial Intelligence In Construction Industry
Author Bio
Harsh Ved – I am a civil engineer, working as a site engineer and a freelance content writer. I hold a Master’s degree in Construction Engineering and Management. My keen interest lies in writing and research work. I have also written a research paper on “Building Integrated Photovoltaics” that is published in IRJET Journal.